17 Delicious, Nutritious, and Budget-Friendly Dishes You Can Make as a Student

When it comes to soups, the tomato and egg soup, also known as 'cloud soup,' is one of the most visually appealing and nutritious dishes. This soup is not only tasty but can be prepared in just 10 minutes. It's a simple yet comforting dish that ensures you get your daily nutrition, especially during busy days, while saving both time and money. Whether it's a chilly winter day or a hot summer afternoon, a bowl of hot tomato and egg soup is always inviting, easy to eat, and even considered a health booster. For students, this dish checks all the boxes: delicious, quick, healthy, and budget-friendly. The recipe is incredibly simple—almost foolproof! Here’s how you can make it right after reading Mytour’s suggestion:

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Tomatoes
• Spring onions

Instructions:

• Wash the tomatoes and cut them into small pieces.
• Heat some oil in a pan, add the tomatoes with a little hot water, and stir-fry until the tomatoes soften. Then, crack the eggs into the pan.
• Add seasoning and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Finish by adding some chopped spring onions and turn off the heat.

Shrimp paste stir-fried with pork belly has long been a staple in many family meals. This simple yet aromatic dish has captured the hearts of many, and once you try it, you’ll likely crave it again. It's a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for students. The shrimp paste is quite salty, which makes it a great match for the richness of pork belly. Be sure to select fresh, high-quality pork belly to enhance the dish's flavor. When choosing shrimp paste, opt for a reliable brand to ensure the dish’s quality and fragrance. This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with hot rice and is sure to be a favorite at the table.

Ingredients:

• Pork
• Shrimp paste
• Dried shallots
• Garlic, onion, pepper, chili, etc.

Instructions:

• Clean the pork belly and cut it into small pieces.
• Marinate the pork with garlic and pepper for about 10 minutes.
• Fry the dried shallots until fragrant, then add the pork and stir-fry until the pork is browned.
• Add the shrimp paste and stir-fry it with the pork. You can adjust the seasoning with sugar, salt, pepper, and chili according to your taste.
• Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then turn off the heat.

Does this dish sound fancy and expensive? Actually, it's quite the opposite! Braised quail eggs with pork is one of the best and most affordable dishes for students. Quail eggs are very inexpensive, and with just a few thousand VND, you can easily fill a pot. Adding a small amount of pork transforms it into a flavorful and irresistible dish in no time. Braised quail eggs with pork is a common, hearty, and delicious dish that should be a part of any meal.

Ingredients:

• Pork
• Quail eggs
• Garlic, onion, pepper, chili, etc.

Instructions:

• Boil the quail eggs, then fry them lightly in oil. Clean the pork by boiling it and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Marinate the pork with a bit of sugar and pepper for 30 minutes. Add sugar to water and cook until it turns a golden brown, then fry the garlic until fragrant.
• Add the pork and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Add the quail eggs and adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Cook until the sauce thickens, then turn off the heat. Garnish with a little pepper and spring onions before serving.

Pork liver is packed with nutrients and is perfectly affordable for a student’s meal. It’s rich in vitamins A, B, D, as well as folic acid, nicotinic acid, protein, and iron. According to scientists, pork liver contains far more vitamin A than eggs, milk, meat, or fish. Its price is also quite reasonable, making it easy for students to purchase. Stir-fried pork liver with onions is not only delicious but also nutritious and budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• Pork liver
• Spring onions
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Onion

Instructions:

• Wash the pork liver, then boil it briefly in water.
• Remove the liver and let it cool. Slice it thinly and marinate with seasoning: 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder and 1 tablespoon of pepper.
• Fry garlic until fragrant, then add the liver and stir-fry to prevent burning.
• Add sliced onions and ginger, adjust the seasoning, and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes and turn off the heat.
• Plate the stir-fried pork liver with onions and garnish with a little more pepper.

Boiled pork is no longer an unfamiliar dish to Vietnamese people. It’s quick and easy to prepare, and anyone can do it, even without much cooking experience. The leftover broth from boiling the pork can be repurposed into a delicious soup. Once the pork is cooked and cooled, slice it thinly and it's ready to eat. Boiled pork is typically served with fresh herbs and dipped in a flavorful fish sauce or shrimp paste, making it a tasty and satisfying meal. This is a fast, convenient, and nutritious option for students.

Ingredients:

• Fresh pork
• Fish sauce for dipping
• Shallots, garlic, chili, etc.

Instructions:

• Start by adding enough water to cover the pork and bring it to a boil. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and discard the first batch of water (since it's impure).
• Rinse the pork with cold water.
• Refill the pot with water and bring it to a boil again over high heat. After about a minute, reduce the heat and add crushed shallots, some salt, sugar, and seasoning powder. For extra fragrance, you can also add green onions to the broth.
• As the pork boils, use chopsticks to poke the meat. If the liquid runs clear and no red juice comes out, the pork is done.
• Immediately place the boiled pork into a bowl of cold water to maintain its crisp texture.

On cold rainy days, it's easy to catch a cold, and when that happens, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of minced pork and onion porridge. This dish is simple to make and incredibly nourishing, perfect for when you need a pick-me-up. Let's take a look at how to make this delicious and heartwarming porridge.

Ingredients:

• Rice, mung beans
• Pork, eggs, pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

• Cook the porridge: First, wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for about an hour (if you have time) to allow the grains to expand.
• For the mung beans, buy pre-peeled ones and soak them for about an hour as well (if possible). Add water to a pot, bring it to a boil, then add the rice and mung beans. Season with salt and a little oil to enhance the flavor.
• Sauté the pork: Clean the pork thoroughly, then mince it or chop it into small cubes. Season the pork with oil, pepper, fresh turmeric powder, chili, sugar, and fish sauce. Mix well to let the flavors soak in. Heat some oil in a pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, then add the seasoned pork and cook until fully done. Add a bit of water to create a broth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Once the porridge is fully cooked and soft, scoop it into bowls, crack an egg into each bowl, and stir it in to cook the egg. Add some ground pepper and chopped green onions to the porridge. Finally, pour the sautéed pork and its broth over the porridge and mix well before serving.

Note: While cooking, avoid covering the pot too tightly, as the porridge may overflow. Simply rest a chopstick across the rim of the pot and place the lid loosely on top. Once the porridge boils, reduce the heat to a simmer to avoid spillage and ensure the porridge cooks evenly.

For students, stir-fried pork with pickled mustard greens is not only an affordable and easy-to-make dish, but it also provides an effective way to stimulate your appetite when you're craving something other than rice. This rustic dish combines the tangy sweetness of the pickled mustard greens with the savory pork, making it irresistibly delicious and easy to eat without getting tired of it. To make this dish, all you need to do is head to the market to buy some pickled mustard greens and pork, and you're all set.

Ingredients:

• Pork
• Pickled mustard greens
• Onions, garlic, etc.

Instructions:

• Boil the pork: Start by boiling the pork briefly to remove any undesirable smell.
• Slice the pickled mustard greens into small pieces.
• Heat some oil in a pan, then add the pickled mustard greens and stir-fry them thoroughly. Season to taste, then remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, heat more oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add the pork to the pan, stir-fry until it's nearly cooked, then add the pickled mustard greens. Stir well for about 1 minute, and if you like it spicy, add some minced chili.
• Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, add some chopped green onions, and then turn off the heat.

Bamboo shoot braised dishes are a savory treat, and if you're a student, this is one dish you'll likely try at least once. Bamboo dishes are known for their crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors, making them a perfect pairing with rice. This affordable dish with its unique taste is both filling and delicious. Let’s learn how to make this flavorful braised bamboo shoot dish!

Ingredients:

• Bamboo shoots
• Garlic
• Green onions

Instructions:

• Prepare the bamboo shoots: Peel off the tough outer skin and rinse the tender inner part. Then, boil the bamboo shoots for about 5 minutes to remove any bitterness and toxins.
• Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the bamboo shoots and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
• Transfer the bamboo shoots to a pot, add a little hot water, and season with soy sauce and other spices.
• Simmer until the liquid reduces, then drizzle a bit of sesame oil and sprinkle chopped green onions. Turn off the heat.
• Serve the braised bamboo shoots on a plate, and enjoy with steaming rice. The crisp bamboo shoots, paired with the savory, sweet, and spicy sauce, will definitely make you want more.

If you've never tried stir-fried chayote with eggs, you're missing out! This delicious and affordable dish is perfect for students, especially on those "empty wallet" days. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it's also quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy students running on tight schedules.

Ingredients:

• Chayote
• Eggs
• Shallots, garlic, and more

Instructions:

• Start by peeling the chayote and cutting it into thin slices or shredding it into thin strips.
• Peel the shallots and slice them thinly. Sauté the shallots until fragrant, then add the chayote and stir-fry briefly.
• Add your seasonings and continue stir-frying the chayote for 1-2 minutes until it softens, then crack the eggs into the pan.
• Gently stir for about 2 minutes until the eggs are cooked through, then turn off the heat.
• Top with a little pepper, and it's ready to serve!

Tip: Chayote contains a lot of sap, so it's best to wear gloves when preparing it to avoid getting the sap on your hands. The sap can be irritating to the skin.

Pickled mustard greens are a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice in many Vietnamese meals. For students on a tight budget, this simple dish is not only cost-effective but also irresistibly delicious. You can prepare it in advance and store it in a glass jar, so on days when you’re unsure what to cook, you already have a jar of pickled mustard greens ready to go. You can enjoy it as it is or combine it with other ingredients. Moreover, pickled mustard greens help stimulate your taste buds when served alongside other dishes, making your meals even more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

• Mustard greens
• Chili peppers
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Spring onions

Instructions:

• Start by discarding any damaged or yellow leaves from the mustard greens.
• Wash the greens thoroughly and let them dry under the sun until they are slightly wilted.
• Prepare the pickling brine by mixing water with sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• Place the mustard greens in a large jar or container, then add the brine along with the sliced ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
• Let it sit for about 2-3 days until the greens turn a golden color, and it’s ready to enjoy!

On busy days when you don't have much time, canned fish in tomato sauce is a quick, convenient, and tasty option for a student meal. You can stock up on canned fish, and when you're ready to cook, simply buy some tomatoes to prepare this dish. It's a simple yet flavorful meal that's best enjoyed hot. You can serve it with either rice or bread. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious dish!

Ingredients:

• Canned fish
• Tomatoes
• Spring onions, garlic, etc.

Instructions:

• Start by washing the tomatoes and slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
• Heat some oil in a clay pot over medium heat, and sauté the garlic until golden and fragrant.
• Next, add the tomatoes, stir for about a minute, then add the canned fish along with a bit of water. Let it cook until the mixture boils, then adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Finally, sprinkle some chopped spring onions and chili on top, and your canned fish in tomato sauce is ready to serve.

If you're tired of the usual soups, why not try making a delicious sweet potato soup with minced pork? This dish is easy to prepare, vibrant in color, and packed with nutrients. The combination of soft sweet potatoes and flavorful minced pork is sure to make your meal special. Sweet potatoes are rich in starch, fiber, and vitamins, which are great for your health. They also help prevent cardiovascular diseases and regulate blood sugar. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a healthy and tasty soup in no time!

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes
• Pork
• Shallots, spring onions, cilantro, etc.

Instructions:

• First, clean the pork, then chop it into small pieces and mince it. Place the minced pork in a bowl and add chopped shallots, sugar, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Peel the sweet potatoes, rinse them thoroughly, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also scoop out the flesh with a spoon to make the soup smoother.
• Heat a pot with a little oil and sauté the shallots until golden and fragrant. Remove the shallots and set aside.
• In the same pan, sauté the remaining spring onions, then add the marinated pork. Stir-fry until the meat is cooked through, then remove the pork and set it aside.
• In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, then add the pork. Let it cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and the soup is ready. Season to taste, and your soup is ready to serve!

Straw mushrooms are a versatile ingredient commonly used in vegetarian dishes. They pair wonderfully with various ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals. Both straw mushrooms and tofu are rich in nutrients, making them a great combination for a student-friendly and satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish, this braised straw mushrooms with tofu recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• Straw mushrooms
• Tofu
• Spring onions, garlic, chili, etc.

Instructions:

• Slice the straw mushrooms in half and soak them in a diluted saltwater solution for 5 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly and drain well.
• Cut the tofu into quarters or smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Be careful not to make them too small, as they might break while stir-frying.
• In a bowl, combine the mushrooms with sugar, MSG, pepper, soy sauce, and oil. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes to allow the mushrooms to absorb the flavors.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, sauté the chopped spring onions until fragrant, then add the mushrooms and stir-fry over high heat until the mushrooms shrink and become tender.
• Add the tofu to the pan and gently stir. Pour in a little water, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until the ingredients are cooked through and the sauce reduces. Adjust the seasoning, add spring onions and chili, and remove from heat.

Stir-fried blood with bean sprouts and chives is one of the most affordable yet delicious dishes for students. It’s a budget-friendly meal that's packed with nutrients. Pig’s blood is known for its detoxifying properties and can help cleanse the intestines. When combined with chives, this dish becomes even more flavorful. Eating this dish while it's still hot is the best way to enjoy it. The blood is rich in iron, while the bean sprouts and chives provide vitamins and fiber, making it both healthy and tasty.

Ingredients:

• Bean sprouts, chives
• Chicken or pig's blood (based on preference)
• Garlic

Instructions:

• Start by thoroughly washing the bean sprouts and chives along with the blood.
• Next, heat a pan and add a little oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for a brief moment. Add the chives and stir-fry together.
• Since the vegetables cook quickly, stir-fry over high heat and do so swiftly. Add the blood and stir until evenly mixed, then remove from heat. Season to taste and transfer to a plate to serve.

Note: The bean sprouts and chives should still have some crunch and should not be overcooked. If you have chive flowers, adding them will enhance the flavor of the dish even more.

When you enter university, you'll quickly learn how to save time while preparing meals that are quick, nutritious, and budget-friendly. One of the first dishes you'll rely on is fried eggs. In cities with high living costs, this is a great choice. It’s inexpensive, and the preparation is simple and quick—perfect for students. Many students even save more time and effort by steaming the eggs along with rice while cooking, making it a perfect meal for both lunch and dinner. Fried eggs also have a nostalgic quality, reminding you of home—maybe even the eggs your parents sent you from the countryside! Convenient, isn't it?

Ingredients:

• Eggs (chicken or duck)
• Spring onions

Instructions:

• Crack the eggs into a bowl, then add cooking oil, monosodium glutamate, fish sauce, and seasoning powder.
• Add chopped spring onions and mix well with chopsticks.
• Heat oil in a pan, then pour in the egg mixture once the oil is hot.
• Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip the egg to cook the other side.
• Fry for another 1-2 minutes, then remove the eggs from the pan and place them on a plate.

When it comes to vegetables, they are an essential part of any meal. Vegetables provide necessary vitamins and fiber for the body, making them crucial in a balanced diet. There are many types of vegetables to choose from, such as cabbage, amaranth, and spinach. In fact, unless there’s a storm or a price hike, water spinach is usually the most affordable and widely available vegetable. A bunch of water spinach can be used in various dishes, from soups to stir-fries, or even mixed with instant noodles. It’s also a common ingredient in many hot pots. A single bunch of water spinach often goes a long way, allowing for multiple meals. One of the must-try dishes for students is stir-fried water spinach with garlic. Water spinach is rich in nutrients, and garlic is not only great for your health but can also help prevent and treat common cold and respiratory illnesses.

Ingredients:

• Water spinach
• Garlic

Instructions:

• Pick and wash the water spinach thoroughly.
• Sauté garlic in oil until fragrant, then add the water spinach and stir-fry over high heat.
• Add seasonings like monosodium glutamate and seasoning powder. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and serve.

This dish is delicious, affordable, and nutritious – three key reasons why it’s a staple in many student meals. It's so easy to prepare that students often have it five to seven times a week. The fried tofu, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with green onions and pepper, is a simple yet tasty way to enjoy a hot meal. This dish is both satisfying and budget-friendly, making it perfect for a quick, hearty meal. Tofu is packed with nutrients, especially protein, and when paired with tomatoes, it makes for a perfectly balanced dish. Despite its simplicity and low cost, it’s also quite nutritious.

Ingredients:

• Tofu
• Tomatoes
• Garlic, green onions

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan, and once hot, fry the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides.
• In a separate pan, sauté garlic, then add tomatoes and a little boiling water.
• Cook the tomatoes until soft, then add the fried tofu. Season to taste and cook until the tomato sauce thickens. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and turn off the heat.